REMEMBER THE NATURE Restoration Law? The government is starting its work to develop a plan to restore nature around Ireland. 

The Nature Restoration Law, a piece of EU legislation that was adopted last year, set targets for revitalising degraded land around Europe and tasked member states with each creating their own nature restoration plan.

The Irish government is required to submit its plan to the European Commission by September 2026.

It has launched a new website today called RestoreNature.ie as part of efforts to inform the public about what is involved in the restoration work. 

Launching the website, Minister of State for Nature Christopher O’Sullivan said that it is “vital that people get a chance to participate in the conversation on nature restoration in Ireland”.

“Events will be taking place across the country over the coming months and I’m appealing to all communities and stakeholders to get involved, learn more about what restoring nature means for them and have their say on how they want it to be done,” O’Sullivan said.

An independent advisory committee chaired by Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin has been tasked with making recommendations to the minister about the plan and ensuring that all voices are heard during the process.

Two types of events are being held to hear inputs on the plan: Leaders’ Forum workshops for representatives from relevant sectors and Community Conversations for all members of the public.

The Community Conversations are due to begin from September 2025 and take place around the country, though a list of dates and locations has not yet been released.

Members of the public who want to have their voice heard as Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan is developed can attend one of the events or make a submission via email or letter.

Reports from meetings of the advisory committee have also been made publicly available on RestoreNature.ie “so anyone who wants to see what we’re doing is able to do so”, said Dr Ní Shúilleabháin.

Currently, over 85% of assessed protected habitats in Ireland have been found to be in poor condition.

Under the Nature Restoration Law, EU member states will need to restore at least 30% of habitats in poor condition by 2030, 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050.

Restoring nature can help to protect against the impacts of climate change, which is a rapidly escalating threat to humanity. Restoring river flood plains, for example, can reduce flooding risks, and planting trees in urban areas can help to shade cities from high temperatures.